GSTM1

Sample type: Buccal Swab

Other names: Glutathione S-Transferase mu-1 detoxification

Absent
Health implications of absent GSTM1 enzyme activity include a significantly reduced detoxification capacity, which increases the risk of toxic burden, oxidative stress, atopic asthma, lung problems, cancer, chemical sensitivity, and coronary artery disease. Despite the increased risks, there is a decreased risk of cancer only if there is a high intake of cruciferous vegetables. Treatment options to manage these risks include consuming cruciferous vegetables and allium foods to reduce cancer risk, maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants from colorful foods, and considering antioxidant supplementation. Additionally, it is essential to ensure the availability of glutathione precursors and cofactors, as well as to limit glutathione depletion by incorporating a-lipoic acid, milk thistle, or taurine into the diet. To further mitigate risks, minimizing exposure to xenobiotics, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxic metals, is recommended.

The health implications of Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) are significant, as GST is crucial for Phase II detoxification of xenobiotics, carcinogens, and oxidative stress products. GSTM1, a specific variant of GST, is primarily located in the liver. The GSTM1 gene can be either present or absent (null). When at least one copy of the gene is present, it is classified as present; when both copies are absent, it is classified as absent. Polymorphisms in Glutathione S-Transferase are linked to a reduced ability to detoxify a wide range of substances, leading to increased oxidative stress and a higher risk of chronic diseases. This decreased detoxification capacity can impair the body's ability to handle environmental toxins, potentially resulting in long-term health consequences.

GSTM1
Healthmatters dashboard showing biomarker trend graph

Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.

Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.

Start with my report →
Beyond GSTM1 — 10,000+ markers explained
One GSTM1 result tells you where you are. Your history tells you where you’re heading. Upload your past lab reports and see this marker — and every marker on them —every marker charted against your own lab’s ranges.
Start with this report →
Healthmatters timeline preview showing biomarker trends over time
Clinical Sources & References

All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.

Article Review Log
Written by Healthmatters Editorial Team
Healthmatters Lifetime Plan

Pay $250. Track your health forever

One payment. No renewals. Yours for life.

10,000+ biomarkers explained · trends over time

See other plans →
Secure checkout via Stripe · GDPR & HIPAA
We accept results from any lab
LabCorp Quest Diagnostics Genova Diagnostics DUTCH Test Doctor's Data Vibrant America ZRT Laboratory Cyrex Labs + any other lab

What members are saying

★★★★★ 10,000+ happy members
★★★★★

"Watching my numbers move over the years — instead of forgetting last time's results — completely changed how I manage my health."

Daniel
Member since 2022
★★★★★

"Living across several countries made keeping my lab results organized a real challenge. Healthmatters brought my results from the USA, Spain, and Germany together — 20 years of history, with long-term trends instead of scattered reports."

Ben
Member since 2021 · tracks across countries
★★★★★

"Standard lab ranges are too wide for how I practice — 'normal' isn't optimal. I set my own bands, so a client sees yellow before a marker goes officially out of range. That's the conversation I want to be having."

Dr. Alexandra
Functional medicine · 6 yrs on Pro